Rongai Route 7 Days

Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you shall be transferred to your hotel in Moshi by a professional tour guide from Kilimanjaro Bound. 

When you are settled at the hotel or lodge, your tour guide shall brief you about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. You shall have a better grasp to know what to expect and how to fully prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro via Rongai Route 7 Days.

Later, you will have time to relax, enjoy a wonderful dinner and take a deep sleep.

Day 2 of Rongai Route. Marangu National Park Gate To Moorland Zone Camp. (Hiking Time: 3-4 hours / Altitude: 2600 m).

After completing the necessary registration formalities at Marangu National Park Gate, we transfer by Landrover to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest.

The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus Monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape’ of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan Plains. 

Day 3: Moorland Zone Camp to Second Cave. (Hiking Time: 3-4 hours / Altitude: 3450 m).

This is only a morning walk up to the ‘Second Cave’ (3,450 m). The walk ascends steadily uphill with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern Ice Fields on the Crater Rim. The afternoon can be spent enjoying the view over the Kenyan Plains or doing a short acclimatisation walk up towards Third Cave. 

Day 4: Second Cave to Kikelelwa Camp. (Hiking Time: 4-5 hours / Altitude: 3600 m).

We now leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant Senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3600 m). Following a hot lunch there is time to wander in the valleys and see the special vegetation. 

Day 5: Kikelelwa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn. (Hiking Time: 3-4 hours / Altitude 4330 m).

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. 

Day 6: Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Campsite. (Hiking Time: 4-5 hours / Altitude: 4700 m).

We cross the Lunar Desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo Campsite (4700 m) at the bottom of the Kibo Crater Wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night in preparation for reaching Uhuru Peak, the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 7: Kibo Campsite to Uhuru Peak (5896 m) and return to Horombo   Camp. (Hiking Time: 11-15 hours / Altitude: 3720 m).

We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 am. We proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the Crater Rim at Gillman’s Point (5685 m). We will rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5896 m), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area.

The descent to Kibo (4700 m) is surprisingly fast and after some refreshment we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3720 m). 

Day 8: Horombo to Marangu Gate. (Hiking Time: 5-6 hours / Altitude: 1830 m).

A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first stopping place at the Marangu Route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park Gate at Marangu (1830 m). 

After collecting your completion certificate you will be transferred back to Moshi to relax and enjoy a well earned rest and contemplate the incredible achievement you have made real.

Day 9: Drive to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Continue Your Adventure.

This is the last day of your Kilimanjaro Adventure. You shall be driven to Kilimanjaro International Airport to mark the end of your experience. You always have the opportunity to extending your stay in Tanzania with Kilimanjaro Bound and experience the other wonders of Tanzania.

It will then be your choice whether you continue with your Tanzania experience or return home. Whichever you choose, the team at Kilimanjaro Bound will be here to take care of you for your entire trip to our beautiful and amazing land.